Issue - meetings

Motion: Reductions to Library Opening Hours

Mover:            Cllr Deborah Darling

Seconder:      Cllr James Cookson

Councillor Darling moved, and Councillor Cookson seconded the Notice of Motion as outlined in the agenda requesting that the Council resolves to:

·       Request that the Leader of the Council write to Devon County Council urging them to reconsider its proposed severe reduction in branch library opening hours that adversely affect Exeter’s residents, especially given the recently announced county council multiyear settlement.

·       Now that the survey consultation has closed, request that Devon County Council consult directly with the staff at Exeter’s branch libraries, before any decisions are made, to explore more modest changes to opening hours based on firsthand knowledge of the way the libraries are used.

·       Encourage Devon County Council to explore options to protect and/or enhance library access and services, for example, by drawing on existing case studies such as those published by Independent Mind. This should also involve an exploration of collaborative opportunities with existing public services, such as the arrangement St Thomas Library has with Theatre Alibi.

·       Request that DCC provide a full Equalities Impact Assessment to decision makers before the decision is made to cut this key public service. It is not enough to simply ask for views on the proposed changes, as stated in the introduction to the consultation.

As Seconder, Councillor Cookson spoke in support of the motion, making the following points:

·        he welcomed Devon County Council’s reversal of the proposed £650,000 library cut, driven by community pressure;

·        restoring funding did not guarantee restoration of access or opening hours;

·        he highlighted concerns over a lack of commitment to reverse reduced staff hours and library opening times;

·        commended the motion to urge for a reconsideration of cuts, direct consultation with staff, exploration of ways to protect/enhance access, and a full Equalities Impact Assessment;

·        he was disappointed with the shift in language from libraries to hubs;

·        he commended the local community efforts, particularly campaigners organising opposition and emphasised the  importance of libraries as essential safe and warm spaces for vulnerable residents; and

·        strongly supported the motion.

During discussion, Members made the following comments on the motion:

·        the motion was welcomed and reaffirmed the importance of libraries;

·        local councillors were credited for identifying funding and helping reverse proposed cuts;

·        the debate had shifted to consultation on opening hours, with significant public engagement;

·        libraries were evolving due to technology and changing community needs;

·        there was limited transition funding from Devon County Council, but was not sufficient for all libraries;

·        it was important to identify stable funding to maintain staffing and opening hours;

·        councillors needed to engage locally on how transition funding could best support libraries;

·        libraries now served as vital community hubs, providing a wide range of services to vulnerable groups, families, and elderly residents;

·        reducing hours would significantly impact community services and access;

·        Councillors Darling and Cookson were thanked for bringing the motion forward;

·        Pinhoe library was facing a reduction in operating hours from 15 to 6 hours ( around a 60% cut);

·        there was a community value with over 9,000 visits in less than a year;  ...  view the full minutes text for item 158